Outdoor safety

Staying safe around your home

Electrical dangers are not restricted to inside the home. Consider these electrical safety tips outdoors:

Be careful where you dig or drive stakes into the ground as electrical lines may be buried in the soil. Contact Dial Before You Dig for more information.

When using ladders or moving sailing boats, always look out for powerlines and avoid going near them. Always ‘look up’.

Do not use extension cables outdoors except when using an appliance. Do not leave extension cords outdoors permanently.

Keep appliances and cords out of the rain and away from wet areas.

Fly kites, drones and model aeroplanes well away from overhead wires.

Don't climb trees or buildings near powerlines.

Avoid touching trees or branches next to powerlines.

Trees and powerlines do not mix, so plant trees or shrubs well away. If a tree or branch is near or touching any electrical wire or connection, please seek professional advice.

When replacing or cleaning leaves out of guttering, do not allow any part of you or the guttering to touch the electrical wires or connections. To push and remove the leaves, use a wooden stick or broom handle. It is preferable to use a wooden ladder.

When painting the outside of your house, make sure you avoid any contact with electrical wires and the point of attachment of the electricity supply. If necessary, contact Ausgrid to arrange for the use of 'tiger tails'. Tiger tails are synthetic tubes that are clipped together over powerlines to protect tradesmen such as rooftilers, plumbers, builders or painters from any accidental contact with live powerlines. Tiger tails are used primarily as a visual indicator or for mechanical protection from electrical wires. They are not to be used as insulating material and will not provide full protection from live electricity.

Fallen powerlines

Power lines can be damaged by fallen trees, flying debris during high winds, lightning strikes, car accidents, vandalism, fires, and birds or other animals. Fallen power lines are very dangerous – so keep away and call Ausgrid emergency services on 13 13 88. Click here for information on trees and powerlines.

Click here for advice on electrical emergencies including electric shocks and what to do during a storm.